Art & Art History Student Ambassadors
Angeline Morgan
Angel is pursuing the B.F.A in Art with a concentration in Printmaking and Imaging Arts. While she studied digital media technology at DeSoto County Career & Technology Center, Angel worked as a film extra and Foley artist for the DeSoto Arts Institute. After she transferred to the University of Mississippi, she worked as a graphic design intern
for the College of Liberal Arts and was inducted into Kappa Pi International Art Honor Society. In addition to her impressive professional endeavors, Angel is also a Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College Scholar, an Annexstad Family Foundation Scholar, and a recipient of the Dorothy Lee Tatum Scholarship.
Why did you choose to attend UM?
The abundance of resources, the beautiful campus, and the welcoming community in and around the UM Art Department all influenced my choice to attend UM.
When and why did you choose your major/minor?
I chose to major in art around the time that I graduated high school. I wanted to pursue my loves for design and digital media in a new way, surrounded by other talented peers and mentors.
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to specialize in digital media at a local nonprofit.
Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
My Art 102 professor, Joshua Brinlee, really helped me feel welcomed in to the art department while navigating virtual classes. His advice and kindness will stick with me.
What has been a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community? (Either on or off campus?)
I am currently working at Farmstead Florals and have volunteered with Oxford’s Community Market, getting to see firsthand how locally grown flowers and produce benefit our community.
What do you like to do outside of school (hobbies/interests)?
Outside of classes, you will find me cooking, gardening, or curling up with a good read.
What are you binge watching/reading/listening to?
Right now on Spotify, I am listening to Janelle Monae and Ari Lennox.
What is your favorite place to eat in Oxford?
I love grabbing Boba tea and egg rolls at Mi & Tea.
What are some dream travel destinations (and why?)
Iceland is on my travel bucket list because I have always wanted to see the Northern Lights and pursue wildlife photography during a trip there.
Haley Chiles
Haley is pursuing a B.F.A. in Art with an emphasis in Imaging Arts. She is a Staff Photographer for UM’s award-winning student newspaper, The Daily Mississippian. On campus, she is involved in UM’s International American Student Alliance as the Director of Social Media. She also volunteers at the Bozarts Gallery in Water Valley.
Why did you choose to attend UM?
I was familiar with Oxford because I have some family here I would visit. I knew that I liked it here already and when my cousin showed me the campus one day, I could envision myself being a student. It was just an inner-knowing that this is where I was meant to go.
When and how did you choose your major?
I had originally majored in Film Production my first year because I knew I really loved working with cameras. Photography was something I remained passionate about so I decided to change my major to art my second year. The Art BFA program allows me to explore my photography with an emphasis in Imaging Arts.
What would you tell a high school student about your major?
I would say that being an Art major is a lot of fun, but it also requires a lot of effort and time. Many projects require you to work during and outside class hours, so time management is important. However, it’s really rewarding and if you’re passionate about art, it doesn’t really feel like work.
Why is your department a special place?
The Art Department at Ole Miss offers a great sense of community. The professors genuinely care about their students’ success, well-being, and growth as an artist. Smaller classes give the opportunity to participate more as well as build connections with other students. There are a lot of great people here and opportunities to learn from visiting artists.
What has been one of your most memorable moments at UM?
I got the opportunity to go to Chicago with my AH 202 class last Spring. It was for a short weekend to see the art at the ‘Chicago Institute of Art’, but it was great to experience. I’m so glad I got to visit a new city with some of my favorite people.
What do you like to do outside of school?
I will almost always be listening to music. I can tend to be a homebody at times, but I do like going to coffee shops. Sometimes I like to sit in nature, so I will go to the Grove or Lamar Park. I’ll usually bring a book or a journal when I do to unwind and reflect.
What is your go-to meal in Oxford?
Newks-Q (of course, at ‘Newks’)
Emily Hollowell
Emily is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts emphasizing in Imaging Arts. She received her Associate’s from Northwest Community College. Now, she is a student worker for UM Human Resources. She loves photography, art, and animals.
Why did you choose to attend UM?
It’s closest, good scholarship, where I’ve always wanted to go, fun place.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
That there is a Photography/Imaging Arts Major because I was told there wasn’t when I was in high-school and chose a different major first. And you might want to go straight to Ole Miss and not go to a junior college because it may take longer, I’ve been in college 6 years including my time in junior college.
Why is your department a special place?
We are all really close-knit. We all end up in the same classes at some point because you have to try everything to figure out which one is your calling. We get really close with our instructors and even call them by first name normally which makes you have an even closer relationship with them.
Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
Brooke White because she’s always pushing me to do better, get more outside my box and do more because she knows I have more in me. She is always so supportive and flexible if something goes wrong or doesn’t work out and just gives her thoughts about it.
What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
Being able to do film photography and making so many friends in art. I’ve also loved helping others and supporting others in their art.
What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for postgraduation?
I hope to be a professional photographer or at least be able to do my own brand photography on the side and do well.
Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
I love hanging out with my friends, relaxing at home, spending time with family, watching YouTube, and reading.
What are some dream travel destinations?
Scotland, Ireland, New York, somewhere with northern lights.
Serena Shannon
Serena is majoring in Art History and minoring in Museum Studies. She has been on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll and the Dean’s Honor Roll. She has also spent time interning with the Moody Gallery, University of Mississippi Special Archives, and David Dike Fine Art.
Why did you choose to attend UM?
When looking at schools my biggest wish was to find a place with a lot of school spirit, and I fell in love with the community the second I stepped foot on campus! The students, professors, and Oxford residents are some of the kindest people I have ever met!
When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I was originally a Social Work major but then I took AH 201 to fulfill one of my basic requirements and I have never looked back! I have always been fascinated by history but with Art History you form a personal connection through the objects. The biggest thrill is finding out the hidden story behind a work or the artist! Wanting to understand more about the museum world, and hopefully work at one in the future, I thought Museum Studies would be the perfect fit and I have really enjoyed it as I feel my coursework has helped prepare me for the future.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
You are going to write a lot of essays and with that comes a lot of research. My biggest piece of advice is be interested in your topics and don’t be afraid to dig deep! Also, be comfortable in forming your own thoughts and opinions as it tends to take you further in your studies!
Why is your department a special place?
The people. We are a small and caring community! Everyone you meet (students and teachers) truly want to see you grow and succeed!
Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
I would say all my classes within the department have been amazing though last semester I took History of Photography with Dr. Belden-Adams and I really enjoyed the class. I really saw how photography has impacted our current day. There is also a lot of controversy within its history. I definitely recommend the class to any Art History major. For me personally, any class with Dr. Belden-Adams is worth it as her passion shines through!
What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
I love school spirit and The Grove on Saturdays is something you will not experience anywhere else! I don’t think I will ever get tired of screaming “FLIM FLAM, BIM BAM, OLE MISS BY DAMN!”
What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for postgraduation?
I would love to work at a gallery or museum as either a gallery assistant or curatorial assistant back in Texas, though I am open minded. As long as I am surrounded by art I will be excited to wake up in the morning!
What are some dream travel destinations?
Southeast Asia!
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
Go into your general education classes with an open mind. You never know what you may end up being interested in and who knows you may even change your major like I did!